Sensational Judo Day in Astana! Team Kazakhstan Shines with Five Golds
Competitors Excel on Opening Day of Qazaqstan Barys Grand Slam Tournament
Join us in Kazakhstan as we kick off the 2025 Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam Judo in style!
Nestled in the Martial Arts Palace, the event promised excitement with local entertainers and a grand opening by International Judo Federation President, Mr Marius Vizer, Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Mr Yermek Kosherbayev, and President of the Kazakhstan Judo Federation, Mr Kuanyshbek Yessekeyev.
The atmosphere buzzed as Kazakhstan fans eagerly anticipated an epic day of Judo action.
At -48kg, Junior World Champion Xinran Hui had the crowd on their feet with some amazing groundwork, claiming the gold.
Gold medals were awarded by IJF General Treasurer, Mr Naser Al Tamimi, while prize money was handed out by Shukhrat IBRAGIMOV, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ERG.
In the -60kg division, Iznaur SAAEV took on hometown favorite Talgat ORYNBASSAR, sealing the win with a powerful ko-uchi attack. The gold was presented by Kazakhstan Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Yermek Kosherbayev.
Germany's Mascha BALLHAUS faced Ayumi LEIVA SANCHEZ of Spain in the -52kg final. With the match going into golden score, Ballhaus pulled off a brilliant switch, moving from her legendary uchi-mata to o-uchi-gari, securing a Yuko and clinching the first gold for Germany.
For Team France, Faiza MOKDAR triumphed over Momo TAMAOKI of Japan in the -57kg category, demonstrating striking agility and timing with a flawless seoi-otoshi. The gold medal was presented by Harvest Group CEO, Mr Almaz Alsenov.
Kazakhstan didn't disappoint, adding more medals to their tally with bronzes for Magzhan SHAMSHADIN and Aman BAKYTZHAN in the -60kg category, and an action-packed tournament that left fans on their feet all day.
Exciting Facts and Techniques:
- Xinran Hui, the Junior World Champion, clinched the -48kg gold with incredible groundwork.
- Mascha Ballhaus of Germany, in the -52kg category, pulled off a brilliant switch to secure the first gold for Germany in the tournament.
- France's Faiza Mokdar took the -57kg gold with a powerful seoi-otoshi.
- Iznaur SAAEV from Kazakhstan, in the -60kg division, clinched the win with a dynamic ko-uchi attack.
Want more Judo tales? Check out our coverage of the European success story and the Uzbek comeback or dive into the world of Wrestling, Martial Arts, and more!
References:[1] IJF. (2025). Medalists and Winning Techniques - 2025 Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam Judo. International Judo Federation. Retrieved from [URL][2] TournamentTracker. (2025). Faiza Mokdar vs Momo Tamaoki - 2025 Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam Judo. TournamentTracker. Retrieved from [URL]
- In the thrilling -60kg division, Kazakh native Iznaur SAAEV showcased his extraordinary skill with a powerful ko-uchi attack, securing the gold and proving why sports-analysis experts predict a bright future for him in sports.
- The event, held at the Martial Arts Palace in Astana, attracted countless Judo enthusiasts who were captivated by the sports-analysis of the athletes' techniques, such as Xinran Hui's amazing groundwork in the -48kg category.
- Fans of Judo and sports-analysis alike eagerly await the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam Judo tournament in 2025, as it promises to reveal more shortcuts and secrets in the world of Judo and sports.
